Veshinantam Levanecha, Mother’s (and More) Day Musings

by Nina Fondiller Woldin

Yesterday, with two grandsons snuggled in my lap (OK, later that afternoon they both came down with fevers, we know that’s mandatory) I thought about what it is that makes me love being with kids.

Whether I am asked or not, I often say that I’ve raised three kids and two dogs, I don’t even want a plant to take care of! But in reality, I am grateful for all of them, plus my four spirited grandsons, aged three to seven.

What makes the the challenge of raising kids – whether they are your relatives,
family friends, or your students – so rewarding? 

It’s fun to see the world through their eyes, (“There are two Disney dogs, Pluto and Goofy. Why does Goofy talk, but Pluto only barks?”) discover things I forgot, or never realized (“SILENT and LISTEN are made from the same letters!”). 

It’s satisfying to see the wheels turning in their heads as they learn, and it’s especially meaningful to pass on Jewish values: Respect for themselves, for others, and for our planet. (After observing homeless people through the car window: “When I grow up I’m going to be an architect and design inexpensive places for them to live.”)

Chai Mitzvah’s Grandparents & Beyond materials provide us with opportunities for intergenerational experiences – treasured moments that add meaning to our lives. 

Chai Mitzvah created Grandparents & Beyond in order to help grandparents and others pass on the love of Judaism that  they desire for the next generation. It contains our signature text-based conversations, as well as fun activities to engage all ages. The materials are designed not just for grandparents, but for any older adults and younger friends. 

The location of my grandsons has made me bicoastal, so I’m glad that the Grandparents & Beyond activities are Zoom-friendly! Many grandparents are geographically separated from their grandchildren.

We all have examples of things we’ve learned from our younger friends and everyone loves to hear them, so please share below! Happy Mother’s (and More) Day!

2 responses to “Veshinantam Levanecha, Mother’s (and More) Day Musings”

1. Sara says:

   May 15, 2023 at 10:33 am

   Love this!

   Reply
2. Debby says:

   May 16, 2023 at 11:49 am

   Seeing and experiencing the world thru grandchildren’s’ eyes is truly the biggest joy of my life! How lucky are we?! Beautifully written post!

   Reply